9/5/11

I'm increasingly aware of, curious about and annoyed by the frequency with which folks seem to misusing "Okay."

For example:

John: Glad to meet you. Where are you from?

Mary: Concord.

John: Okay. (often: Oh, Okay.)

What's John saying here?
Is he confirming that Mary does, indeed, know where she lives?
Is he giving Mary permission to live in Concord?
Is he telling Mary that Concord is a decent place to live?
Is he giving approval, assent or agreement to Mary's living in Concord?

OK?

What's John saying here?

The above is just one example. Keep you ears open today and listen for how often "Okay" enters your conversations and ask yourself, "Is it always okay to say okay?"

OK is just as commonly used here in the UK. I found these two intriguing links below which say that its widespread use probably dates back to an unfunny joke in an 1839 article in the Boston Morning Post.

The first link also has an account of a serious consequence of its misuse.

I once worked with an architect who did not like any of her employees using the word, "okay." I can't remember why it was she disliked it so much, but I do remember changing how I spoke so that I never had to use the word, "okay." I chose words like, "all right," and "very well."

Now that I don't work with this person, I use "okay" every once in a while but try not to overuse it.

Of course, nowadays when I text my college-aged son, he'll often respond to one my texts with a "k," as in "okay." I don't know how this developed but I imagine it had something to do with saving time.

As a follow up to this post this morning I am listening to an intriguing BBC Radio 4 programme on a quest to improve the art of conversation and the way we engage in conversation and thought it may be of interest!

Link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01460dl

I don't know if you can get it in the USA - the programmes are often are available after transmission on i-player.It involves someone called Professor Theodore Zeldin.

WORD FOR THE WEEKEND 3/8

Click on the bible for this coming Sunday's readings and some notes to help you understand them.

A Blessing for Lent

Click above for a sung Lenten blessing

Lent 2015

For a pocket cross with this scripture verse, send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Concord Pastor, 55 Church Street, Concord, MA 01742

Music for Winter Prayer

(Click on the image for a prayer)

href="http://ekaterinasfluff.com/album/the-keys-of-e">The Keys of E by Ekaterina

A daily prayer

A song and prayer for Lent

I need a clean heart this Lent, Lord, so in these 40 days I pray you'll: sweep, dust, cleanse, mend, repair, forgive, purify and strengthen this heart of mine... And because I need a new spirit within me, Lord, I pray you'll: renew my listless spirit, lift up my drooping spirit, rekindle my burned-out spirit, open up my selfish spirit, refresh my failing spirit, energize my tired spirit, pardon my sinful spirit and put a right spirit within me, within this heart of mine...

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic?

The best place to start is always one of your local Catholic churches. Drop in some Sunday and see what's going on. Then you might speak to the pastor or someone on the parish staff about how they can help you and respond to your questions.